Band logo? Or blood stain from the double homicide at Papa John's? You be the judge...

"...We ALL know, that one of the main elements of attack...is the element of surprise! So, what could be more surprising, than the first battalion transvestite brigade?! The airborne wing, parachuting into dangerous areas with FANTASTIC make-up...and a fantastic gun...and the opposing forces going 'Fucking hell look at these guys...they've got guns! They've got guns! Jesus they've got guns!...I was so surprised, were you surprised? I was surprised'..."

I know what you're thinking, "Gav...what the fuck are you on about?"...well let me elaborate. In this excerpt from "Dressed To Kill" by EDDIE IZZARD, he perfectly sums up my overall reception of "Peace In Chaos", the brand new EP by Reading-based rockers THE FINAL CLAUSE OF TACITUS. It just rolls off the tongue doesn't it (-_-) Seeing a name like that, your first impression is maybe they are a prog-metal inspired outfit? Or something incredibly heavy and conceptual, given the figure of Tacitus, a notable historian and political philosopher in Roman history...but no...far from it. Let me explain...

We open up with some pretty straightforward guitar riff on "7 Years" and it sounds as though we'll be heading into some classic-inspired, old-school rock and roll territory, but the bass, courtesy of Flea, sorry, Andy, turns everything on it's head...this is some funked-up shit! Coupled with vocalist Matt's best Anthony Kiedis impression you could easily be forgiven for thinking this is some unearthed early-era RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS demo. The is a segment where the forced, shouted vocals literally make you wince with their blunt delivery and it tarnishes an otherwise decent track; an interesting start...

First single "Give Them Blood" initially slows things down considerably, taking a more serious tone and a slightly more aggressive chorus has shades of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE etched into it's core sound, though retaining the funk-driven elements, there is some interesting guitar experimentation but the repetitive chorus does fall flat quite quickly. "Snake Town" adds further influence from the likes of FAITH NO MORE and as a whole this record could of easily been released in the early to mid nineties, when rock was in the middle of a transitional period and finding it's feet again, combining various elements to reinvent itself and this track acts as a perfect throwback to that period, before we eventually finish up on title track of sorts "Hidden Patterns", further utilising all of the aforementioned styles. I guess in a way their name represents their musical mindset very well, as Tacitus (history lesson alert) was renowned for his questioning of establishment and not wholeheartedly agreeing with the principles of his emperors, voicing his opinions clearly and going against the grain so to speak. As a band, TFCOT have done this by not falling into any current trend or style. They've looked at the current scene in UK music and have made a bold statement by sounding completely different to the vast majority of bands emerging right now. Original? Far from it, but right now it's refreshing. If you are of that era, this might be your new favourite band! [6]

"Peace In Chaos" is released on February 24thThe single "Give Them Blood" is out January 27th

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Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x